Phuket City Guide

General Information / Guide

Phuket Province, located in Southern Thailand, is the country's largest island along the Andaman Sea, with Phang-nga to the north and Krabi to the east. The island carries a prominent Chinese influence, evident in numerous shrines and restaurants, hosting an annual Chinese Vegetarian Festival. With a diverse community, Phuket embraces traditions from around the world. Renowned for its stunning beaches like Rawai and Patong, the island also features cultural attractions such as the Goom Restaurant with impressive classical architecture. Beyond its coastal beauty, Phuket offers a welcoming atmosphere, renowned nightlife, and breathtaking sunsets at Laem Phromthep Viewpoint, making it a sought-after destination for tourists in Thailand, easily accessible with various travel options.

Climate / Weather / When to Go

Phuket experiences a hot and humid climate year-round. The hot season typically spans from March to early May. The summer monsoon season, running from May to October, brings sunny mornings and afternoons but evening rain, impacting water clarity. Locals consider November to February the "cool" season, offering more tolerable weather compared to the Gulf Coast tourism centers. This period is akin to Florida's summer, with temperatures ranging from 25-33°C, sporadic clouds, and brief, intense rainfall in the afternoons and evenings. The western beaches are conducive to surfing during this time.

How to Get There

Phuket International Airport, located around 32 km from the city center, serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights. Travelers can seamlessly commute to the city by opting for taxis or airport shuttles, which take approximately 45 minutes. For those seeking alternatives, local buses and private transfers are available, offering diverse options for reaching the city center.

Food / Restaurants / What to Eat and Drink

Phuket offers a diverse and cosmopolitan food scene, especially in places like Patong where many foreigners have established eateries to cater to travelers. While traditional Thai favorites, especially seafood, are widely available, Phuket has its unique culinary style. Local dishes like fried or boiled noodle dishes with pork or chicken can be enjoyed at various noodle shops in town. Khanom Jin, a breakfast noodle version served with spicy curry sauce and fresh vegetables, is a local delight. Nam Phrik Kung Siap, a blend of dried chilis and smoked shrimp, is commonly eaten with fresh vegetables. 
Additionally, Phuket is known for its year-round availability of cashew nuts and pineapples, offering various delicious options like dried, fried, or coated nuts and sweet, firm pineapples. For a culinary adventure, A Chef's Tour provides small groups with an exclusive journey through Old Phuket, sampling over 15 Southern Thai dishes and learning about Thai ingredients at a renowned food market.

Important Places / Places to Visit

• Patong Beach: Phuket's most popular beach is known for its lively atmosphere, white sand, and clear waters. Visitors can engage in swimming, sunbathing, water sports, shopping, dining, and nightlife.
• Kata Beach: A smaller and more relaxed beach than Patong, ideal for families and couples. Offers swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, dining, and shopping.
• Karon Beach: Beautiful beach with soft sand, clear waters, and various water sports. Visitors can enjoy dining, shopping, and nightlife in the area.
• Big Buddha: A 45-meter tall statue atop Nakkerd Hill, providing stunning island views. Accessible by climbing stairs or admiring the statue from below.
• Wat Chalong: Phuket's largest temple complex, offering insights into Thai culture and Buddhism. Visitors can explore ornate temples, witness monk prayers, and purchase souvenirs.
• Phuket FantaSea: Theme park combining Thai culture, illusions, and acrobatics. Features shows, rides, and restaurants for visitors to enjoy.
• Freedom Beach: Secluded beach accessible only by boat, offering crystal-clear waters for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
• Hanuman World: Zipline adventure park in Phuket's lush rainforests. Visitors can experience ziplining, hiking, and waterfalls.
• Phuket Elephant Sanctuary: Sanctuary for rescued elephants, providing educational experiences. Visitors can learn about elephants, observe their interactions, and participate in feeding activities.

What to Do

Water enthusiasts can indulge in swimming, snorkeling, diving, yachting, jet-skiing, and parasailing. Additional options include freediving, windsurfing, kite surfing, wakeboarding, and deep-sea fishing. Kite surfing hotspots include Nai Yang in summer and Chalong Bay in winter. Sea canoeing in Phang Nga Bay, exploring grottoes by canoe, is one of the popular activities. One-day island tours to picturesque locations like Phang-nga Bay, Phi-Phi Island, and Ko Phi Phi are available. Tours can be arranged through various agencies, offering diverse experiences at different price points. 
For beach lovers, the west coast provides wide sandy shores for swimming and sunbathing. Surfing is advisable during the monsoon season when large waves prevail. Phuket is a diving hub with dive sites like Racha Yai and Ko Doc Mai. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and shore diving at Kata Yai Beach cater to varying preferences. Sailing and yachting thrive in Phuket, known for regattas and boat shows. The island's spas, such as Oasis Spa, Let's Relax, and Siladon Spa, offer rejuvenating experiences for wellness enthusiasts.

Nightlife / Bars / Entertainment

Phuket's vibrant nightlife centers around Bangla Road in Patong, a bustling street with neon-lit bars and clubs. Patong, especially Bangla Road, is a nightlife dream, attracting party enthusiasts globally. Nightclubs like Illuzion and Sugar Club offer pulsating music and top DJs. For a beachside experience, iconic beach clubs like Catch Beach Club and Cafe del Mar provide music, cocktails, and ocean views. 
Beach clubs like Café Del Mar, Catch Beach Club, and Fuga Beach Club offer both daytime relaxation and lively sunset experiences. Phuket's rooftop bars, from casual to luxurious like Baba Nest, provide stunning views for sunset cocktails and dinner. Night markets, including Phuket Sunday Walking Street, Naka Weekend Market, and Chillva Market, offer a vibrant post-dinner experience with stalls, street food, and live music.

Shopping / What to Buy

In Phuket, you can find a variety of locally crafted products, including cultured pearls, nielloware, pewterware, ornaments, and dried seafood. Specialty shops offering souvenir items are situated in different areas like Ratsada, Phang-nga, Montri, Yaowarat, and Tilok-U-thit roads in Phuket Town, Thepkasattri Road north of town, and at beach centers like Patong, Kata, Karon, and Rawai. 
It's important to be cautious when dealing with tailors on the larger beaches, as some may offer cheap prices but compromise on quality. For tailored items, choose your fabrics, insist on multiple fittings, and carefully examine the craftsmanship. Phuket also has two malls, Central Festival, located at the northwest edge of Phuket Town, and Jungceylon in Patong.

Festivals/ Events

January: Chalong Temple Fair
February: Phuket Old Town Festival
March: Thao Thepkrasattri-Thao Sri Suntorn Festival
April: Songkran in Phuket
April: Phuket Bike Week
August: Por Tor Festival (Hungry Ghost Festival)
September: The Vegetarian Festival
November: Patong Carnival
November: Loi Krathong

Holidays / Festivals / Important Days

1 January 1st: New Year’s Day
12 February: New Year’s Holiday
6 April 6th: Chakri Day
12-15 April: Songkran Festival
1 May: Labour Day
4 May: H.M. King’s Coronation
10 May: Royal Ploughing Ceremony
10 June: H.M. the Queen’s Birthday
28 July: H.M. the King’s Birthday
13 October: The Passing of King Bhumibol
22 October: Chulalongkorn Day Day
5-6 December: Father’s Day
10 December: Thailand Consitution Day
31 December: New Year’s Eve
Buddhist Lent
Asahna Bucha 
Visakha Bucha
Makha Bhucha

Things to Pay Attention to / Important Information

In Phuket, it's crucial to show respect for the Thai Royal Family, as depicted on coins and banknotes. Criticizing or insulting them is illegal. When the Thai National Anthem plays, follow locals by standing still. Respect local customs, such as the traditional "wai" greeting, a gesture of palms together. 
Thais appreciate friendly interactions, so a genuine smile goes a long way. Avoid touching heads, raising feet above heads, or pointing with feet, as these are considered disrespectful. When in public, dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Dress appropriately in public spaces, covering shoulders and knees, especially when visiting temples. Remember, don't engage in illegal activities, and, most importantly, don't do drugs.

Transportation

Navigating Phuket requires some form of transportation due to limited public options. Taxis, tuk-tuks, and rental vehicles are the main choices. Hotels often provide shuttle services, and the Phuket smart bus is a tourist-friendly addition covering the west coast. Public transport consists of radial networks and songthaews, converted pick-up trucks serving as buses, with fares of 25-40 baht. Taxis include songthaew-style minivans and metered sedans. Tuk-tuks lack meters, so negotiating prices in advance is crucial. Motorbike taxis are cheaper but riskier. For convenience, arranging metered taxis by phone is recommended.